Speakers and participants had a lively discussion on the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the Hudson Valley and ways that communities and farmers can deal with these changes. Featured speakers were Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, a NASA scientist and leading climate change expert, and Joel Russell, a nationally known community planner and land use lawyer. Three Hudson Valley farmers, Paul Wigsten of Wigsten Farm, Cheryl Rogowski of W. Rogowski Farm, and Kevin Skvorak of Regeneration CSA shared their experiences with climate change and the steps they are taking to manage its effects. The array of speakers and participants created a dynamic environment for the workshop.

Use these links to listen to the presentations and discussion.

Judith LaBelle
General Introduction (2 mins, 2 MB)

Cynthia Rozenzweig
Introduction by Judith LaBelle (1 min, 1 MB)
complete talk (43 mins, 40 MB)
highlights (14 mins, 13 MB)

Joel Russell
Introduction  by Judith LaBelle (1 min, 1 MB)
complete talk (43 mins, 40 MB)
highlights (14 mins, 13 MB)

Farmer Panel
Introduction  by Judith LaBelle (3 mins, 3 MB)
Farmer Panel Comments (10 mins, 9 MB)
Introduction Highlights  by Judith LaBelle (1 min, 1 MB)
Farmer Panel Comments Highlights (2 mins, 2 MB)
Farmer Panel Q&A (34 mins, 31 MB)
Farmer Panel Q&A Highlights (3 mins, 3 MB)

Cynthia Rosenzweig, Ph.D., is a research scientist and leader of the Climate Impacts Group at the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Institute for Space Studies, which investigates the interactions of climate with systems and sectors important to ecological and human well-being. Dr. Rosenzweig currently leads the Metropolitan East Coast Region for the U.S. National Assessment of Climate Variability and Change. Dr. Rosenzweig studied agronomy as an undergraduate, an interest she continues in her current work.
Joel Russell has over 28 years of experience as a planning consultant and land use attorney.  Nationally recognized for his work in smart growth, land conservation, and New Urbanism, Mr. Russell has been at the forefront in drafting land use ordinances that emphasize quality design, the creation of a sense of place, traditional neighborhood development, and the preservation of farmland, open space, and environmental resources. He has published numerous articles and is the principal co-author of Codifying New Urbanism, published by the American Planning Association. He is currently serving as a Glynwood Fellow, developing an advanced professional training program on land use regulation and climate change.

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